By Rotimi Odofin
The Kogi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KOSACA) has intensified advocacy for the enactment of an Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Bill aimed at protecting people living with HIV (PLHIV) from discrimination and other forms of rights violations in the state.
The advocacy was made during a courtesy and advocacy visit by the agency to the Kogi State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, where KOSACA sought the support and technical guidance of the Ministry of Justice towards developing a strong legal framework for the protection of the rights of people living with HIV.
The KOSACA delegation was led by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Ajodoh Monday, and included Mr. Hamza of INGRA, Mr. Onuchce, who represented SASCP, and Nurse Tawa Suberu, Prevention Officer, KOSACA.
During the engagement, the team stressed the importance of establishing a state-specific legal instrument capable of addressing HIV-related stigma and discrimination while promoting equal access to healthcare and other essential services.
KOSACA noted that the proposed legislation would complement existing HIV prevention, treatment, care and support interventions across Kogi State by creating an enabling legal environment in which people living with HIV can access essential services without fear of discrimination.
The agency further emphasized that stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to effective HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care, making legal protection an important component of the state’s broader response to the epidemic.
Commissioner Assures KOSACA of Government’s Support
Responding to the advocacy, the Kogi State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barrister Muizudeen Yinusa Abdullahi, SAN, assured the delegation that the proposed Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Bill was necessary to safeguard the rights and dignity of people living with HIV in the state.
The Commissioner emphasized that no one should be left behind in the quest for a quality and dignified life, stressing the importance of a legal framework that would protect PLHIV from discrimination and ensure their access to essential services and enjoyment of their fundamental rights.
He further assured KOSACA and its partners of the state government’s backing for the development and eventual passage of the proposed legislation.
According to him, once the necessary legislative and legal processes are completed, the government would support efforts to ensure that the Bill receives the required attention for its eventual assent by His Excellency, the Governor and Chief Servant of Kogi State.
The assurance was welcomed by the KOSACA delegation as a significant step towards strengthening legal protection for people living with HIV and advancing the state’s broader HIV response.
The visit also provided an opportunity for constructive dialogue between KOSACA, its implementing partners and the Ministry of Justice on the development and eventual enactment of the proposed Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Bill.
The engagement strengthened collaboration among the stakeholders and reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting the fundamental rights and dignity of people living with HIV in Kogi State.
KOSACA expressed optimism that continued engagement with the Ministry of Justice and other relevant stakeholders would facilitate the development of a comprehensive legal framework capable of promoting inclusion, reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and ensuring that people living with HIV can fully access healthcare and other essential services.
The proposed legislation, when enacted, is expected to further strengthen Kogi State’s commitment to a rights-based HIV response and contribute to creating an environment where people living with HIV can live, work and access essential services without discrimination.
